topic Re: ScareWare Computer Scam in Community Chat

ScareWare Computer Scam

SaRina — Fri, 06 May 2016 11:00:16 GMT

This may be old news to some of you, but I just heard it for the first time, so I'm passing it along.

Many of us are familiar with getting a telephone call asking us for our computer passwords or we will be frozen, but this is a more credible variation on that theme. A pop-up window on your computer screen freezes your computer and tells you your computer is infected with a virus and to download the Windows software provided to correct the problem or call a telephone number. The software contains malware. The pop-up cannot be closed, which is why people tend to act on it. Do not download the software or call the telephone number.

Just hit Ctrl, Alt, Delete, then unplug your computer, then restart, to get rid of the pop-up.. You can report the issue to ic3.gov.

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

jackthebear — Fri, 06 May 2016 11:09:59 GMT

Not new and this has happend to me

yes just turn off your computer.

It is a good idea to pass it along as there as so many new users here

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

Puzzle Piece — Fri, 06 May 2016 15:36:10 GMT

Thanks for the info.

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

shell garden — Fri, 06 May 2016 16:54:08 GMT

Thanks for this. I ran into this while using my laptop a couple of days ago and I said, "what the heck?". It doesn't happen on my IPAD, just the laptop the other day!

I am NOT computer savvy...but, I did NOT click on it and shut down the computer. I restarted the laptop and it was gone. WHEW....dodged that one and will remember! Thanks a million!

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

January121 — Fri, 06 May 2016 16:56:00 GMT

@SaRina ..... THANKS for the information!!!! 😀

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

chickenbutt — Fri, 06 May 2016 17:05:44 GMT

I'm curious if the people who are getting these things have proper security and protection programs on their computers.

Can this just happen to anybody or is it a case of not knowing that you must have a good quality (not something like McAfee!!), always up to date and scans run periodically, anti-virus program and good malware protection, as well as a high degree of security on your router if you have a home network.

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

SeaMaiden — Fri, 06 May 2016 17:12:16 GMT

Thanks for letting us know. Now I will know what to do if I see that pop up. I feel confident with Norton firewall to be protected, but never hurts to be on the up and up!

Re: ScareWare Computer Scam

Nuttmeg — Fri, 06 May 2016 19:45:34 GMT

@SaRina

Thank You for this info. Please post this stuff on the "Electronics" forum, so more people will see it. A message will be near the top longer.